Saint James rum is one of the great names of Martinique, a true icon of agricole rum heritage. Established in the 19th century, the distillery quickly earned worldwide recognition for its high-quality rums made from pure sugarcane juice, aged with exceptional care. The Saint James Vintage 1885 – 47% is among the oldest and rarest rums in the world, a true liquid relic. This legendary bottling reflects the mastery of the Saint James house and stands today as a collector’s treasure of inestimable value. Each surviving bottle is sought after by connoisseurs and investors alike, making it one of the most prestigious spirits ever produced in the Caribbean. In the glass, this vintage rum reveals an intense mahogany hue with copper glints, testimony to its extraordinary aging. The nose is complex and refined, unfolding aromas of blond tobacco, antique leather, dried fruits, exotic spices, and precious woods, with subtle rancio notes typical of the very oldest vintages. On the palate, it delivers an unforgettable experience: velvety texture, remarkable depth, and an endless finish, where hints of cocoa, candied fruits, balsamic touches, and fine oak intermingle with elegance. More than a spirit, the Saint James 1885 is a historical milestone, a witness to centuries of tradition and savoir-faire in Martinique. Its rarity and unparalleled character make it a centerpiece for the most prestigious cellars and a safe investment for collectors of legendary bottles.
A mythical rum, combining history, emotion, and timeless excellence.
SAINT JAMES - Millésime 1885 - 47%
Saint-James Distillery is located in Martinique. Its story begins with the Reverend Edmond Lefébure, who was then Father Superior at the convent of the Brothers of Charity and a chemist at heart. It wasn't long before he saw the potential of the cane sugar distilled in eaux-de-vie near his hospital and set out to make it himself. The story follows its course and in 1973, the Cointreau company acquired the Saint-James rums and brought together all production in Sainte-Marie. In 2003, Cointreau sold the distillery to La Martiniquaise, its current owner.
Saint James rum comes from the fermentation and the distillation in Creole column still of pure sugar cane juice. This production method, recognised as the AOC rum from Martinique, gives Saint James rums a multitude of aromas, perfectly suited to aging in oak barrels. No addition of sweetener is tolerated. Today, the distillery is committed to a sustainable economy, in order to minimise the impact on the environment. The sugar cane plantations, near the distillery, reduce the transport routes of the cane and therefore CO2 emissions. Bagasse, the fibrous residue of sugar cane after pressing its juice, is used as fuel to create the water vapours necessary for the operation of distillation columns and cane grinding mills. Another part of the bagasse will be placed in compost or transformed into electricity via a turbo-alternator. Finally, the vinasse (the liquid residue from the distillation) is treated to obtain water for irrigating the sugar cane fields.
The Saint James 1885 is an extremely rare bottle. The bottles were found by Luca Gargano in the 1980s.
